Wiki Multiple fracture codes

[IABallou]

Please give me some feedback on the following information from ICD-9-CM:

Fractures, multliple legs, both or leg(s) with arm(s), rib(s), or sternum (sites classifiable to 820-827 with sites classifiable to same range of categories in other leg or to 807 or 810-819) (closed)828.0
open 828.1.

If there are two closed fractures and one open fracture and all three could fit into the above description, do we code open, closed or use the above for the closed fractures and code the open fracture separately?

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[mitchellde]

In the guidelines:
a.
Coding of Injuries
When coding injuries, assign separate codes for each injury unless a combination code is provided, in which case the combination code is assigned. Multiple injury codes are provided in ICD-9-CM, but should not be assigned unless information for a more specific code is not available.
Coding of Traumatic Fractures
The principles of multiple coding of injuries should be followed in coding fractures. Fractures of specified sites are coded individually by site in accordance with both the provisions within categories 800-829 and the level of detail furnished by medical record content. Combination categories for multiple fractures are provided for use when there is insufficient detail in the medical record
This should help with your code assignment.

 

[IABallou]

Thanks!